Chained to You (Dark Billionaires 3, 4)

"I have a dinner date with a friend."

James cocked his head to one side. "A friend?"

"Remember?" I said. "Savanah."

"Ah, her." He nodded. "At William's penthouse, I presume?"

I wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not for James to know so much about me and everything to do with me, even my new friend Savanah and where she lived.

"Yes." I nodded, taking a step back. "I think Patrick is waiting for me downstairs," I said to hint at the fact I really must get going.

I managed to escape his fervent clutches somehow and hastily rushed into the bedroom. There, I retrieved my handbag and shoes and then returned to the living room to find James on the phone. He was busy talking, and because I didn't want to disturb him, I waved and headed to the door.

I was just about to exit when I felt James's hand on my wrist, pulling me back against him. He buried his face in the crook of my neck. "Sure, I'll behave myself. Just make sure you do the same."

He sounded both amused and pissed, and I wondered who he was on the phone with.

I glanced over at him, wondering what he wanted now, since his embrace was so tight. Truly, I didn't have a moment to waste if I were to get to Savanah's place on time.

"James," I said, my voice weak. I tried very hard not to feel too comfortable in his arms, which was simply impossible because the man knew just how to make me melt into him. "I really must get going now."

"I'm coming with you," he said bluntly.

I blinked. "Excuse me?" I turned in his arms to look up at him. "What do you mean--"

He cut me short. "I'm coming with you." With that, he took my hand and led me out the door.

Some ten minutes later, in the car, I started the conversation by asking, "So what about your dinner meeting with your clients tonight?"

"Don't have one," he said.

"What about work?" I couldn't help asking.

He smiled and said, "I didn't know you were interested in my work life."

I blushed. "I... I was just wondering; that's all." I defended myself. Then I thought it was more like I was worried about his work. I didn't want him to ruin his business and, hence, lose his important clients because of me. I'd feel so guilty over it.

He moved his hand over to cup my face and caressed my cheek fondly. "Business sorted, for now."

"Oh." Then something else entirely hit me, drawing my attention from James. "Oh shoot!" I hastily searched my bag for my phone. "I forgot to tell Savanah you're coming for dinner as well."

I found the phone and gave Savanah a quick call. Thank goodness she wasn't at all upset James was tagging along. Although, I had to admit she sounded rather nervous, which in turn made me anxious, and I had to apologize to her profusely for the short notice.

We arrived at the Bosworth Hotel and Resort some fifteen minutes later. The place wasn't so different from The Maxwell after all. It was busy and lively with tourists and businessmen enjoying their time drinking, dining, and gambling.

Once we came to the penthouse, which resided at the top floor of the building, I noticed James's stance was rather tense. I couldn't help myself and glanced over at him, more than a little worried. Personally, I hoped William wasn't around. After all, the two, despite being friends, didn't really get along well.

"James?" I asked, drawing his attention to me. "Are you sure you want to... um...?"

James snorted with amusement, as if he knew what my concern was and what I was about to ask.

"It's fine," he said bluntly. He stepped forward and knocked on the door loudly to inform Savanah of our arrival.

Gosh, I truly hoped everything would go all right tonight. I knew Savanah personally hadn't yet met with James, and I wondered contritely if she could handle being around him. He was rather intimidating after all. Although, come to think of it, William wasn't much different in term of personality. There was their arrogant, dark demeanor. So surely, if she could handle being around William, she'd be fine with James.

When I heard the sound of the door clicking open, I returned my attention there, expecting to see Savanah greeting us. But of course, my anticipation was completely wrong, because standing there so imposingly and staring at James with a dark, handsome smile on his face was William.

My first thought was, Oh God! He is going to be around for dinner? Savanah hadn't told me he'd be joining us. I'd thought she had said he'd be out for the night.

I secretly glanced at James, wondering what his reaction would be. Would he be pissed to see William around? But then again, that couldn't be helped. This was, after all, William's penthouse. The man owned the place and, of course, the whole building.

To my utter relief and surprise, James didn't seem to react one way or another toward William. He seemed calm and composed, as if this were just another meeting with a friend.

"Hello, James," William said, a sarcastic grin playing about his face.

"Hello, William." James returned the greeting.

As I stood there watching the two men staring at each other, the scene reminded me of that night when I'd first arrived in Los Angeles. It was the night James had taken me out for dinner and offered me a proposal I couldn't refuse in order to annul my brother's debt. When we'd come out of the restaurant, William had turned up to greet us in the parking lot, along with his men, armed and ready for a showdown.

Back then, I'd thought they were mortal enemies for sure. But of course, I had been wrong, and truth be told, I was glad. James and William as friends, despite not getting along as well as friends should, suited me better. First of all, there was Savanah. I honestly couldn't imagine being friends with Savanah when our respective men were arch enemies. More so, however, was the fact that I knew William had strong influences, and if anything dangerous were to happen to James, I knew William would step in and help out, which was mo

st likely due to the nature of their business.

The two men were still staring at each other, and honestly, I could feel the tension in the air between them. Suddenly, I dreaded dinner. Were they going to be like this the whole evening? And ruin my time with Savanah?

William turned his attention to me then and even gave me a bright smile. "Hello, Mia."

I smiled uncomfortably and said, "Hi, William." Then I couldn't help myself and asked, "Are you staying for dinner?" In which case he laughed out in amusement.

He opened the door wider. "Yes, I am," he said, ushering us in. "I couldn't leave Savanah alone to deal with guests, could I?"

I pulled a face and said, "Just as long as you don't ruin it for us." I stared meaningfully at him, and both men laughed.

William said, "Feisty, aren't we? I'm still interested in you, Mia. Are you sure you want to be with James? He's a bastard. You know that, right?"

I glared at him. "I like being with James, thank you very much."

James said, "I thought you said you'd behave yourself, too. I'm doing my best not to smash in your face and ruin tonight."

William had the gall to laugh. "Sorry," he said. "I can't help it. I promise to be nice once we're inside."

James and I stepped over the threshold of the penthouse. Once we were in the living area, I scanned around in appreciation. The place was spacious, very modern, and had a great view of Las Vegas, just like James's suite back at the hotel.

Savanah came rushing over to me then and took my hands in hers. "I'm so glad you came," she said, smiling brightly. "And you look so cute in that dress."

I chuckled and glanced down at myself. "Thanks," I said. "And this place is awesome."

She nodded. "I know. I love it here, especially the view." She looked around the room with affection, her eyes bright.

I watched her, feeling a sense of relief that she looked happy here. I was glad because that meant William must be nice to her and not mistreat her, which I dreadfully feared. I didn't want her to suffer, because I personally knew how painful it was to receive such mistreatment. Furthermore, I had come to care for Savanah, despite us knowing each other for such a short time.

William came over and handed me a glass of Champagne. I thanked him before taking a sip of the bubbly. From the corner of my eyes, I noted James had taken a seat on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, with a glass of Champagne in one hand. William joined him a moment later, and the two men, despite the air of tension between them, started conversing. It was then I wondered if they were enduring each other's presence for our sake. The thought was certainly viable and, indeed, made me deliriously happy. James was willing to sacrifice his time to be in the company of a friend he didn't much like for me. And William was doing the same for Savanah.